By Diana on Wednesday, July 23, 2014

​As a high school student, Marcus Allen experienced a typical teenager’s plight. Torn between his passion—modern fashion—and his studies, Marcus took a job with popular clothing store Abercrombie & Fitch before moving on to work for Ralph Lauren. Along the way, he discovered that a hard-working hobby can turn into a successful future.

“My family actually asked me not to work during school so I could focus on my studies,” he said. “But I had my mind set on buying Purple Label and Ralph Lauren; I’ve always been intrigued by who you can become with clothing.”

Marcus harnessed his passion all the way through school and into his current role as a New York-based stylist and consultant. On a daily basis, he surrounds himself with “amazingly inspiring people,” from fashion photographers, to the city’s top creative minds, to client Melet Mercantile, a vintage showroom.

In early 2014, one of Marcus’ influential partners—Australian-born designer Drew Villani—introduced a men’s clothing line. Marcus served as Drew’s professional stylist, pairing clean, contemporary tops and pants with Dansko clogs. After speaking with Drew this spring, we had to know more. So we caught up with the ever-stylish Marcus to ask a few questions about his passion for fashion—and to learn more about his enthusiasm for “minimalistic” Dansko clogs.

Q: Describe your style in five words or fewer: A: Eclectic

Q: If you had to select one fashion icon, you would chose:A: I’m always impressed with the personal style of L'uomo Vogue fashion editor Robert Rabensteiner

Q: Number one tip for those looking for a style update:A: Comfort always looks best so I wouldn't try too hard to update—just re-evaluate your wardrobe and purge when things feel dormant

Q: If you could only wear one outfit for the rest of your life, you would wear:A: A black t-shirt and tux pants

Q: Favorite summer fabrics:A: Linen and cotton blend because of their drape and flow

Q: No man should ever leave his house without:A: His card case

Q: How does confidence influence a man’s style?A: Confidence allows you to try new things and speaks to how you carry yourself

Q: How do Dansko shoes complement your wardrobe?A: Dansko provides an unexpected element and makes for an interesting style combination—and most definitely a topic of conversation

By Nick on Tuesday, July 15, 2014

​Forever aiming to achieve fabulous style identities, New York City fashionistas Valerie and Jean take pride in standing out in a crowd. But instead of targeting specific styles, or adopting the newest trends, the pair focuses on allowing their personalities to shape the way they look.

“A desire to enjoy life inspires my individual sense of style,” said Jean, who, along with Valerie, co-writes a blog entitled Idiosyncratic Fashionistas. “I look up to personal style icons like Nancy Cunard and Georgia O’Keefe—but I admire their strength of character more than their personal looks.”

For Valerie, who conveys a “graphic, textural and architectural” style, fashion represents an opportunity to express individuality: “Wearing clothes is like inhaling a bouquet of flowers,” she responded. “When people react to what we’re wearing, they look like they’re inhaling the same bouquet.”

In late 2013, a celebrity editor for prominent fashion website Stylecaster noticed Valerie and Jean’s unconventional sense of style. He later listed the dynamic duo in his annual “50 Most Stylish New Yorkers” feature (see slide 45), describing Valerie and Jean as “two of the most fashionable women he’d ever met.” In Valerie’s words, Cain smelled their bouquet.

But for the stylish pair, achieving an identity in the “fashion capital of the world” requires a strong sense of self-awareness. Jean believes aspiring fashionistas must know who they are and what they want to look like—and then, they need to laugh. “When people look at me, I hope they see confidence with a sense of humor,” she continued. “After all, dressing should be fun.”

Valerie encourages women to practice patience from start to finish: “Start simply and make sure you don’t overwhelm yourself” she said. “Just like cooking, you should slowly add to your style. But remember—nobody gets it overnight!”

Jean and Valerie navigate New York’s busy streets on a daily basis, all the while donning their fabulous outfits. But admittedly, they couldn’t do so without supportive, comfortable shoes.

“Details count!” said Valerie, offering final words of advice. “You CAN find shoes that are both stylish and comfortable. Take the time—you’ll be glad you did.”

Jean, who prefers to paint, sticker and add platform heels to her Dansko clogs, also believes in the power of comfort and style: “I have worn Dansko for decades,” she began. “I do a lot of walking and my feet never, ever hurt!”

We love the confidence, sense of style and personalities of these remarkable women.

“Cunard and O’Keefe were not interested in looking like everybody else,” Jean concluded. “They looked like who THEY were, and that worked for them.”